Inactivation device

ABSTRACT

An inactivation device, in a space inside a mobility means that transports a person or an object, that inactivates microorganisms and/or viruses present in the space where a person is present by irradiating the space with ultraviolet light, the inactivation device includes:an ultraviolet light irradiation unit including an ultraviolet light source emitting light including ultraviolet light having a wavelength that inactivates microorganisms and/or viruses; anda controller that controls the irradiation of the light emitted from the ultraviolet light source. The ultraviolet light source is either an excimer lamp or an LED, and the ultraviolet light included in the light emitted from the ultraviolet light source includes ultraviolet light having a wavelength range from 200 nm to 240 nm. The ultraviolet light irradiation unit is fixed to the mobility means.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an inactivation device that inactivatesharmful microorganisms and/or viruses.

BACKGROUND ART

Facilities where people frequently gather or come and go, such asmedical facilities, schools, government offices, theaters, hotels, andrestaurants, have environments where microorganisms such as bacteria andmold can easily multiply and viruses can easily spread. In particular,this tends to be more noticeable in closed spaces (e.g., hospital rooms,restrooms, and elevators) and crowded spaces in the above facilities.For example, harmful and highly infectious microorganisms and virusescan multiply on the floors, walls, and other surfaces of a given space,or float within the space, as a person infected with such microorganismsand/or viruses enter and leave the space. This can result in the spreadof microorganisms and/or viruses to the next person who enters thespace, and in some cases, the spread of infectious diseases within thefacility.

To address the above situations, facilities where people (and in somecases animals) gather or come and go are required to take measures todisinfect the above-mentioned harmful microorganisms (e.g., infectiousmicroorganisms) or inactivate viruses. Surfaces surrounding the abovespaces, such as floors and walls, are decontaminated by workers, forexample, by spraying them with disinfectants including alcohol, wipingthem with disinfectant-soaked cloths, or irradiating them withgermicidal ultraviolet light. Microorganisms and viruses floating in thespaces are disinfected and inactivated by ultraviolet light irradiation,for example.

Patent document 1 (JP-T-2017-528258) discloses a decontamination devicefor decontaminating a closed room that irradiates a space to bedecontaminated with ultraviolet light (UVC light) emitted from a UVCbulb to disinfect the space. In addition, Patent Document 2(JP-A-2018-069028) discloses a device for disinfecting surfaces in anenclosed space that emits ultraviolet light from arc lights, lasers,light-emitting diodes (LED), micro-filaments, optical fiber elements,light bulbs, or other UV light-emitting devices.

CITATION LIST

-   Patent Document 1: JP-T-2017-528258-   Patent Document 2: JP-A-2018-069028

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

The wavelength band of ultraviolet light used for decontamination(disinfection) applications practically ranges from 200 nm to 320 nm. Inparticular, the effective wavelength for disinfection is around 260 nm,which is absorbed by nucleic acids (DNA, RNA) possessed bymicroorganisms and viruses. Hence, low-pressure mercury lamps that emitultraviolet light having a wavelength of 253.7 nm are often used aslight sources for disinfection.

However, low-pressure mercury lamps have characteristics that theilluminance of its emitted ultraviolet light becomes unstable when theyare subjected to vibration. For example, when an ultraviolet lightsource for inactivating microorganisms or viruses is mounted on a mobilebody, the ultraviolet light source is subjected to vibration while themobile body is moving. If the ultraviolet light source is a low-pressuremercury lamp, this vibration causes the illuminance of the ultravioletlight emitted from the low-pressure mercury lamp to become unstable,thus in some cases, potentially leading to the insufficient disinfectionand inactivation treatment of the object to be disinfected andinactivated.

In recent years, LEDs emitting ultraviolet light having a peakwavelength of, for example, 275 nm have also been employed as anultraviolet light source for disinfection and inactivation. However,ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 275 nm emitted from theabove-mentioned ultraviolet LED and ultraviolet light having awavelength of around 260 nm, such as the ultraviolet light having awavelength of 253.7 nm emitted from the above-mentioned low-pressuremercury lamp, may have adverse effects on human bodies although they arehighly effective in disinfection and inactivation. Hence, thisultraviolet light is not suitable for performing decontamination work ina space where a person is present, like the techniques described in theabove-mentioned documents.

In view of these circumstances, the present invention is to provide aninactivation device that is capable of stably emitting ultraviolet lightin a space where a person is present and properly inactivating harmfulmicroorganisms and/or viruses.

Solution to Problem

In order to solve the above problem, an aspect of the inactivationdevice according to the present invention is an inactivation device, ina space inside a mobility means that transports a person or an object,that inactivates microorganisms and/or viruses present in the spacewhere a person is present by irradiating the space with ultravioletlight, the inactivation device includes:

-   -   an ultraviolet light irradiation unit including an ultraviolet        light source emitting light including ultraviolet light having a        wavelength that inactivates microorganisms and/or viruses; and    -   a controller that controls the irradiation of the light emitted        from the ultraviolet light source. The ultraviolet light source        is either an excimer lamp or an LED, and the ultraviolet light        included in the light emitted from the ultraviolet light source        includes ultraviolet light having a wavelength range from 200 nm        to 240 nm. The ultraviolet light irradiation unit is fixed to        the mobility means.

Since an ultraviolet light source such as an excimer lamp or an LED,which are less susceptible to vibration, is used, this configurationenables the ultraviolet light source to stably emit the ultravioletlight even when the ultraviolet light irradiation unit is subject tovibration, suitably performing disinfection and inactivation. Inaddition, since the ultraviolet light source radiates ultraviolet lighthaving a wavelength range from 200 nm to 240 nm, which has littleadverse effects on human and animal cells, the inactivation device iscapable of irradiating even a person in a space where a person ispresent with ultraviolet light for disinfection and inactivation. Theinactivation device can radiate ultraviolet light in a space inside amobility means such as aircraft, trains, buses, and cabs. In this case,even if the ultraviolet light irradiation unit (ultraviolet lightsource) is subjected to vibration during the movement of a mobilitymeans, the inactivation device enables the ultraviolet light source tostably emit ultraviolet light.

In addition, in the above inactivation device, the ultraviolet lightsource may be an excimer lamp including a discharge container filledwith gas for excimer emission and a pair of electrodes that make adielectric barrier discharge generated inside the discharge container,and at least one of the electrodes may be disposed to be in contact withthe discharge container. The ultraviolet light irradiation unit mayinclude a vibration isolation mechanism that suppresses the vibration ofthe excimer lamp.

Using an excimer lamp, which is less susceptible to vibration, as theultraviolet light source, enables the ultraviolet light source to stablyemit ultraviolet light, even when the ultraviolet light irradiation unit(ultraviolet light source) is subjected to vibration, suitablyperforming disinfection and inactivation. In addition, since theultraviolet light source radiates ultraviolet light having a wavelengthrange from 200 nm to 240 nm, which has little adverse effects on humanand animal cells, the inactivation device is capable of irradiating evena person in a space where a person is present with the ultraviolet lightfor disinfection and inactivation.

The inactivation device can radiate ultraviolet light in a space insidea mobility means such as aircraft, trains, buses, and cabs forinactivation treatment. Providing the ultraviolet light irradiation unitwith a vibration isolation mechanism enables an excimer lamp to bebarely affected by vibration even when the excimer lamp is subjected tovibration during the moving of a mobility means, suppressing theoccurrence of a gap between the discharge container and the externalelectrode. Therefore, the inactivation device allows the ultravioletlight irradiation unit to stably radiate ultraviolet light.

In addition, in the above inactivation device, the mobility means may bea transportation means, and the space may include at least either aguest room or a restroom where a person can enter and leave. In thiscase, the inactivation device can radiate ultraviolet light in a spacewhere persons enter and leave in order to perform inactivationtreatment, thereby effectively suppressing the infection of pathogensincluding viruses to other persons who enter the space.

In addition, in the above inactivation device, at least one of the pairof electrodes may be printed or deposited on the outer front surface ofthe discharge container. This configuration, even when the excimer lampis subject to vibration, prevents a gap between the electrode (externalelectrode) disposed on the outer front surface of the dischargecontainer and the discharge container, suppressing fluctuation in theilluminance of ultraviolet light emitted from the excimer lamp.

In addition, in the above inactivation device, the ultraviolet lightirradiation unit may include an enclosure that houses the excimer lampand is made of a conductive metal. This configuration preventshigh-frequency noise generated from the excimer lamp from beingtransmitted outside the enclosure. This, in turn, can suppress controlcommands to a control system provided outside the enclosure from beinginterfered with by the high-frequency noise emitted from the excimerlamp, thereby suppressing malfunctions in the control commands.

In addition, in the above inactivation device, the ultraviolet lightirradiation unit may include an enclosure that houses the ultravioletlight source thereinside and that includes a light emission windowthrough which at least a part of the light emitted from the ultravioletlight source is emitted, and the light emission window may include withan optical filter that blocks the transmission of UV-C waves havinglonger wavelengths than 237 nm. This configuration enables theultraviolet light irradiation unit to radiate only light having awavelength band with less adverse effects on human bodies and animals.

In addition, in the above inactivation device, the ultraviolet lightsource may emit ultraviolet light having a center wavelength of 222 nm.This configuration effectively inactivates microorganisms and/or viruseswhile suitably suppressing the adverse effects of ultraviolet lightirradiation on human bodies.

In addition, in the above inactivation device, the ultraviolet lightsource may be an LED, and the LED may be either analuminum-gallium-nitride (AlGaN)-based LED or an aluminum-nitride(AlN)-based LED. Furthermore, in the above inactivation device, theultraviolet light source may be an LED, and the LED may be amagnesium-zinc-oxide (MgZnO)-based LED.

Since an LED, which is less susceptible to vibration, atmosphericpressure changes, and temperature changes, is used as an ultravioletlight source, this configuration enables the ultraviolet light source tostably emit ultraviolet light, even when the ultraviolet lightirradiation unit (ultraviolet light source) is subjected to vibration,suitably performing disinfection and inactivation. In addition, sincethe ultraviolet light source radiates ultraviolet light having awavelength range from 200 nm to 240 nm, which has little adverse effectson human and animal cells, the inactivation device is capable ofirradiating even a person in a space where a person is present with theultraviolet light for disinfection and inactivation.

In addition, the inactivation device can radiate ultraviolet light in aspace inside a mobility means such as aircraft, trains, buses, and cabsfor inactivation treatment. Moreover, unlike the case in which theultraviolet light source is an excimer lamp, this configurationeliminates the need for the measure to suppress the occurrence of a gapbetween the discharge container and the external electrode.

Furthermore, in the above inactivation device, the mobility means may bea transportation means, and the space may include at least either aguest room or a restroom where a person can enter and leave. In thiscase, the inactivation device can radiate ultraviolet light in a spacewhere persons enter and leave in order to perform inactivationtreatment, thereby effectively suppressing the infection of viruses orother pathogens to other persons who enter the space.

In addition, in the above inactivation device, the ultraviolet lightirradiation unit may include a cooling member that cools the LED. Thisconfiguration suitably suppresses the increase in the temperature of theLED, thus the LED can stably emit light.

In addition, in the above inactivation device, the ultraviolet lightirradiation unit may include an enclosure that houses the ultravioletlight source thereinside and that includes a light emission windowthrough which at least a part of the light emitted from the ultravioletlight source is emitted, and the light emission window may include anoptical filter that blocks the transmission of UV-C waves having longerwavelengths than 237 nm. This configuration enables the ultravioletlight irradiation unit to radiate only light having a wavelength bandwith less adverse effects on human bodies and animals.

In addition, in the above inactivation device, the ultraviolet lightsource may emit ultraviolet light having a center wavelength of 222 nm.This configuration effectively inactivates microorganisms and/or viruseswhile suitably suppressing the adverse effects of ultraviolet lightirradiation on human bodies.

Effects of the Invention

The present invention is capable of suitably inactivating harmfulmicroorganisms and/or viruses by radiating ultraviolet light in a spacewhere a person is present. The objects, modes, and effects of thepresent invention described above and those not described above will beunderstood by those skilled in the art from the following description ofembodiments (detailed description of the invention) with reference tothe accompanying drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of aninactivation device in which an ultraviolet light irradiation unit ismounted on a flying object.

FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example ofan inactivation device in which an ultraviolet light irradiation unit ismounted on a mobile body.

FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example ofan inactivation device in which an ultraviolet light irradiation unit ismounted on a mobile body.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of anultraviolet light irradiation unit.

FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example ofan excimer lamp.

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the excimer lamp taken along theline A-A in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram illustrating another configurationexample of an excimer lamp.

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the excimer lamp taken along theline B-B in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram illustrating yet another configurationexample of an excimer lamp.

FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the excimer lamp taken along theline C-C in FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating the absorption spectrum of ultravioletlight on proteins.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of anultraviolet light irradiation unit.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating yet another example of aninactivation device in which an ultraviolet light irradiation unit ismounted on a flying object.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, the embodiment of the present invention will be describedwith reference to the drawings. The present embodiment describes aninactivation device that performs ultraviolet light irradiation in aspace where a person is present to inactivate microorganisms and/orviruses present in the space. The “space where a person is present” isnot limited to a space where a person is actually present; it includes aspace where a person enters and leaves and where no one is present. Inaddition, “inactivation” according to the present embodiment refers toeliminating microorganisms and/or viruses (or making them lose theirinfectivity or toxicity).

Here, examples of the above spaces include spaces in facilities such asoffices, commercial facilities, medical facilities, station facilities,schools, government offices, theaters, hotels, and restaurants, as wellas spaces provided for mobility means such as automobiles, trains,buses, cabs, airplanes, and ships. The above spaces may be closed spacesa person can enter and leave, such as hospital rooms, meeting rooms,guest rooms, restrooms, and rooms in elevators, or unclosed spaces. Theabove mobility means can be any means of transporting a person or anobject, and is not limited to transportation means.

The inactivation device in the present embodiment inactivates harmfulmicroorganisms and/or viruses present on the surface of objects and in aspace where a person is present by irradiating them with ultravioletlight having a wavelength from 200 to 240 nm that is less adverseeffects on cells of human bodies and animals. Here, the above objectsinclude human bodies, animals, and things. The inactivation device inthe present embodiment is used under an environment subject tovibration.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of aninactivation device 100A in which an ultraviolet light irradiation unit10 is mounted on a flying object 110. The flying object 110 is a mobilebody that is movable in any three-dimensional direction in a space wherea person is present, for example, a drone (multicopter). Thisinactivation device 100A includes the ultraviolet light irradiation unit10 and the flying object 110. The ultraviolet light irradiation unit 10is provided with an ultraviolet light source that emits light includingultraviolet light having a wavelength range from 200 nm to 240 nm asultraviolet light for disinfection and inactivation. The ultravioletlight irradiation unit 10 is supported by a supporter (in this case, abody section 111) provided in the flying object 110.

The flying object 110 includes the body section 111 and a plurality(four in the present embodiment) of frame sections 112 extending fromthe body section 111. In addition, the flying object 110 includesdriving sections 113 each provided at the end of the respective framesections 112 (the end that is not located at the side of the bodysection 111). The drive section 113 is a propulsion drive section thatgenerates lift and thrust for the flight of the flying object 110 andincludes a motor 114 and rotor blades (also called propellers or rotors)115 that are rotated by the motor 114. Here, the motor 114 can use avariable-speed motor or a single-speed motor. Each motor 114 can bedriven independently.

The present embodiment uses a propeller drive with the motor 114 as adrive section that drives the flying object 110; however, the drivesection is not limited to this, and it can also include a drivemechanism such as a gas jet, for example.

The body section 111 is provided with a control system and a powersupply, which are omitted in the figure. The control system has thefunction of driving the motors 114 to rotate the propellers 115, andcontrolling the lift and thrust of the flying object 110. Controlcommands to the control system can be given via wired or wirelesscommunication from an external control system that controls theoperation of the flying object 110. For example, the operator operatesthe controller (external control system) at hand to move the flyingobject 110 in any three-dimensional direction in a given space viawireless communication.

The flying object 110 may include a camera, a sensor, or other devices.The camera takes pictures in front of the flying object 110 in itstraveling direction, for example, and can use digital cameras, videocameras, or the like. The camera may be used to capture images, videorecordings, and other data. The sensor detects obstacles around theflying object 110, for example, and can include pressure sensors,accelerometers, compasses, motion sensors, proximity sensors, or anycombination thereof. This configuration also enables the control systemto control the position of the flying object 110 based on the dataacquired by the camera, sensor, or the like.

The ultraviolet light irradiation unit 10 is supported on the lower partof the body section 111 of the flying object 110 and radiatesultraviolet light to the space and surfaces surrounding the space whileflying with the flying object 110 in the space. The above-mentionedcontrol system controls the irradiation and non-irradiation ofultraviolet light from the ultraviolet light irradiation unit 10, theamount of the ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet lightirradiation unit 10, and the like. The ultraviolet light irradiationunit 10 may be configured to be directly controlled by the externalcontrol system described above.

In this way, the inactivation device 100A radiates ultraviolet lighthaving a wavelength range from 200 nm to 240 nm while moving in anythree-dimensional direction in a space where a person is present.Therefore, the inactivation device 100A suitably inactivates harmfulmicroorganisms and/or viruses in the space and on the surfacessurrounding the space that are irradiated with ultraviolet light.

FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example ofan inactivation device 100B in which the ultraviolet light irradiationunit 10 is mounted on a mobile body 120. The mobile body 120 is movablein any two-dimensional direction in a space where a person is presentand is, for example, a cleaning robot that is movable on a floorsurface. The inactivation device 100B includes the ultraviolet lightirradiation unit 10 and the mobile body 120. The ultraviolet lightirradiation unit 10 has the configurations same as those of theultraviolet light irradiation unit 10 provided in the inactivationdevice 100A in FIG. 1 described above. The ultraviolet light irradiationunit 10 is supported by a supporter (in this case, a supporter 123)provided in the mobile body 120.

The mobile body 120 includes a body section 121 and wheels 122 rotatablysupported in the body section 121. The body section 121 is providedwith, as a drive section that drives the mobile body 120 although notspecifically shown in the figure, a motor that rotates the wheels 122,and a wheel adjustment mechanism that adjusts the direction of thewheels 122. In addition, the body section 121 is provided with a controlsystem and a power supply, which are omitted in the figure. The controlsystem has the function of driving the above motor to rotate the wheels122, and adjusting the above wheel adjustment mechanism to control theorientation of the wheels 122.

Control commands to the control system can be given via wired orwireless communication from an external control system that controls themovement of the mobile body 120. For example, the operator operates acontroller (external control system) at hand to move the mobile body 120in any two-dimensional direction in a given space via wirelesscommunication.

The mobile body 120 may include a camera, a sensor, or other devices.The camera takes pictures in front of the mobile body 120 in itstraveling direction, for example, and can use digital cameras, videocameras, or the like. The camera may be used to capture images, videorecordings, and other data. The sensor detects obstacles around themobile body 120, for example, and can include pressure sensors,accelerometers, compasses, motion sensors, proximity sensors, or anycombination thereof. This configuration also enables the control systemto control the position of the mobile body 120 based on the dataacquired by the camera, sensors, or the like.

The ultraviolet light irradiation unit 10 is supported on the bodysection 121 of the mobile body 120 via the supporter 123 and radiatesultraviolet light to the space and surfaces surrounding the space whilemoving in the space together with the mobile body 120. Theabove-mentioned control system controls the irradiation andnon-irradiation of ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet lightirradiation unit 10, the amount of the ultraviolet light emitted fromthe ultraviolet light irradiation unit 10, and the like. The ultravioletlight irradiation unit 10 may be configured to be directly controlled bythe external control system described above.

Here, the ultraviolet light (UV) emitted from the ultraviolet lightirradiation unit 10 may be emitted in all directions as shown in FIG. 2Aor may be emitted only in a predetermined direction in the inactivationdevice 100C shown in FIG. 2B. The inactivation device 100C shown in FIG.2B may include an irradiation direction adjustment mechanism 124 thatadjusts the direction of the ultraviolet light irradiation unit 10,which emits ultraviolet light in a predetermined direction. Theirradiation direction adjustment mechanism 124 is a motor connected tothe ultraviolet light irradiation unit 10, for example, and rotates theultraviolet light irradiation unit 10 by a predetermined angle, thusadjusting the direction of the ultraviolet light emitted from theultraviolet light irradiation unit 10.

In this way, the inactivation devices 100B and 100C emit ultravioletlight having a wavelength range from 200 nm to 240 nm while moving inany two-dimensional direction in a space where a person is present.Therefore, the inactivation devices are capable of suitably inactivatingharmful microorganisms and/or viruses present in a space and on surfacessurrounding the space that are irradiated with ultraviolet light.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example ofthe ultraviolet irradiation unit 10 provided in the respectiveinactivation devices 100A to 100C. The present embodiment describes thecase in which the ultraviolet light irradiation unit 10, which isprovided in the respective inactivation devices 100A to 100C, has thesame configurations. The ultraviolet light irradiation unit 10 includesan enclosure 11 made of a conductive metal and an ultraviolet lightsource 12 housed inside the enclosure 11. The ultraviolet light source12 can be a KrCl excimer lamp emitting ultraviolet light having a centerwavelength of 222 nm, for example. The ultraviolet light source 12 isnot limited to a KrCl excimer lamp and can be any light source emittingultraviolet light having a wavelength range from 200 nm to 240 nm.

The ultraviolet light irradiation unit 10 also includes a power supply16 that supplies power to the excimer lamp 12, and a controller 17 thatcontrols the irradiation and non-irradiation of the excimer lamp 12, theamount of ultraviolet light emitted from the excimer lamp 12, and thelike. The excimer lamp 12 is supported by a vibration isolation member18 in the enclosure 11. The enclosure 11 has an opening 11 a that servesas a light emission window. This opening 11 a is provided with a windowmember 11 b. The window member 11 b can include, for example, anultraviolet light transmitting member made of quartz glass or an opticalfilter that blocks undesirable light. The plurality of excimer lamps 12can be arranged in the enclosure 11. The number of the excimer lamps 12can be any number.

The above optical filter can use, for example, a wavelength selectivefilter that transmits light in a wavelength band from 200 nm to 237 nmand blocks light in the other wavelength band of the UV-C wavelengthband (200 nm to 280 nm). Examples of the wavelength selective filterinclude a dielectric multilayer filter consisting of HfO₂ layers andSiO₂ layers. Providing an optical filter in the light emission window,even if the excimer lamp 12 emits a small amount of light harmful tohumans, is capable of reliably suppressing the light from leaking out ofthe enclosure 11.

In addition, the wavelength selective filter can use an optical filterhaving a dielectric multilayer film consisting of SiO₂ layers and Al₂O₃layers. However, an optical filter having a dielectric multilayer filmmade of HfO₂ layers and SiO₂ layers can have a reduced total number ofthe layers than that of the dielectric multilayer film consisting ofSiO₂ layers and Al₂O₃ layers. Hence, an optical filter having adielectric multilayer film made of HfO₂ layers and SiO₂ layers can havea higher transmittance of ultraviolet light at an incident angle of 0°.

Hereinafter, the configuration example of the excimer lamp 12 used as anultraviolet light source in the ultraviolet light irradiation unit 10 isspecifically described. FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram of a crosssection of the excimer lamp 12 in the direction of the tube axisthereof, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-Ain FIG. 4A. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the excimer lamp 12 includes along straight circular discharge container 13 with its both endshermetically sealed. The discharge container 13 is made of a dielectricmaterial with ultraviolet light transparency, such as synthetic quartzglass or fused quartz glass. A discharge space is formed inside thedischarge container 13, and this discharge space is filled with a noblegas and a halogen gas as a barrier discharge gas (hereinafter referredto as the “discharge gas”) that generates ultraviolet light. In thepresent embodiment, krypton (Kr) is used as a noble gas and chlorine gas(Cl₂) is used as a halogen gas. A mixture gas of krypton (Kr) andbromine (Br₂) can also be used as the discharge gas. In this case, theexcimer lamp (KrBr excimer lamp) emits ultraviolet light having a centerwavelength of 207 nm.

In addition, a first electrode (internal electrode) 14 is disposed inthe discharge space inside the discharge container 13. The internalelectrode 14 is a coil-shaped electrode formed by winding a metal wiremade of an electrically conductive and heat-resistant metal, such astungsten, into a coil shape with a coil diameter smaller than theinternal diameter of the discharge container 13. The internal electrode14 extends along the central axis (tube axis) of the discharge container13 and is disposed to be kept away from the internal circumferentialface of the discharge container 13. Each of both ends of the internalelectrode is connected to one end of a lead member 14 a for the internalelectrode. The other end of the lead member 14 a for the internalelectrode protrudes outward from the outer end face of the dischargecontainer 13.

A second electrode (external electrode) 15 is provided on the outerperiphery of the discharge container 13. The external electrode 15 is amesh-shaped electrode composed of a metal strand made of an electricallyconductive and heat-resistant metal such as tungsten, for example. Theexternal electrode 15 is provided along the outer periphery of thedischarge container 13, extending in the direction of the central axisof the discharge container 13. In the excimer lamp 12 shown in FIGS. 4Aand 4B, the external electrode 15, which is a mesh-shaped electrode, hasa cylindrical outer shape and is provided in close contact with theouter periphery of the discharge container 13. This configuration allowsa discharge space to be formed in an area between the internal electrode14 and the external electrode 15 via the tube wall (dielectric materialwall) of the discharge container 13.

Furthermore, one end of the external electrode 15 and the other end ofthe lead member 14 a for the internal electrode are each connected to ahigh-frequency power supply 16 a provided in the power supply 16 (seeFIG. 3 ) via a power supply wire 16 b. The high-frequency power supply16 a is a power supply capable of applying a high-frequency voltagebetween the internal electrode 14 and the external electrode 15. Theother end of the external electrode 15 is electrically connected to oneend of a lead wire 16 c. The other end of the lead wire 16 c isgrounded. In other words, the external electrode 15 is grounded throughthe lead wire 16 c. In the excimer lamp 12 shown in this FIGS. 4A and4B, the one lead member 14 a for the internal electrode is integratedwith the power supply wire 16 b.

Applying high-frequency power between the internal electrode 14 and theexternal electrode 15 generates a dielectric barrier discharge in thedischarge space. This dielectric barrier discharge excites the atoms ofthe discharge gas (barrier discharge gas) sealed in the discharge space,generating excited dimers (exciplex). When these excited dimers returnto their original state (ground state), a specific emission (excimeremission) is generated. In other words, the above discharge gas is a gasfor excimer emission.

The configuration of the excimer lamp is not limited to those shown inFIGS. 4A and 4B; the excimer lamp can be configured to be a double-tubestructure discharge container 13A as is an excimer lamp 12A shown inFIGS. 5A and 5B, for example. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view takenalong the line B-B in FIG. 5A. The discharge container 13A of theexcimer lamp 12A includes a cylindrical outer tube and a cylindricalinner tube that has a smaller inner diameter than that of the outer tubeand is coaxially disposed within the outer tube. The outer tube and theinner tube are sealed at both ends thereof shown in FIG. 5A in thetransverse direction, forming an annular internal space between them.The internal space is filled with a discharge gas.

A layered first electrode (inner electrode) 14A is provided on an innerwall face 13 a of the inner tube. A mesh or mesh-like second electrode(outer electrode) 15A is provided on an outer wall face 13 b of theouter tube. The inner electrode 14A and the outer electrode 15A are eachelectrically connected to the high-frequency power supply 16 a via thepower supply wire 16 b.

When the high-frequency power supply 16 a applies a high-frequencyalternating voltage between the inner electrode 14A and the outerelectrode 15A, a voltage is applied to the discharge gas through theouter tube body and the inner tube body, generating a dielectric barrierdischarge in the discharge space in which the discharge gas is sealed.This excites the atoms of the discharge gas to form excited dimers,generating excimer emission during the transition of these atoms to theground state.

The configuration of the excimer lamp can be a pair of electrodes (firstelectrode 14B, second electrode 15B) disposed on one side face of thedischarge container 13B as in the excimer lamp 12B shown in FIGS. 6A and6B, for example. Here, FIG. 6A shows the two discharge containers 13Barranged side by side in the Z direction, as an example. FIG. 6B is across-sectional view taken along the line C-C in FIG. 6A. As shown inFIG. 6A, the first electrode 14B and the second electrode 15B aredisposed on the side face (the face in the −X direction) of thedischarge container 13B that is opposite a light extraction face and areapart from each other in the direction of the tube axis (Y direction) ofthe discharge container 13B. The discharge containers 13B are in contactwith these two electrodes 14B and 15B in a manner of straddling them.Specifically, the two electrodes 14B and 15B each are formed withconcave grooves extending in the Y direction. The discharge containers13B are fitted into the concave grooves of the electrodes 14B and 15B.

The first electrode 14B and the second electrode 15B are eachelectrically connected to a high-frequency power supply 16 a via thepower supply wire 16 b. Applying a high-frequency alternating voltagebetween the first electrode 14B and the second electrode 15B generatesexcited dimers in the internal space of the discharge container 13B,emitting excimer light from the light extraction face (the face in the+X direction) of the excimer lamp 12B. Here, the electrodes 14B and 15Bmay be made of a metallic material having reflectivity to the lightemitted from the excimer lamp 12B. This configuration allows the lightemitted from the discharge container 13B in the −X direction to bereflected and travel in the +X direction. The electrodes 14B and 15B canbe made of aluminum (Al) or stainless steel, for example.

The excimer lamps generate high-frequency noise because, as describedabove, high-frequency power is applied to them for performinghigh-frequency lighting. However, configuring the enclosure 11 thathouses the excimer lamp to be made of a conductive metal suppresses thehigh-frequency noise of the excimer lamp from being transmitted outsidethe enclosure 11. This configuration can suppress the control commandsto other control systems mounted in the vicinity of the ultravioletlight irradiation unit 10 from being disturbed by the high-frequencynoise, thereby preventing malfunctions in the control commands.

In the inactivation devices 100A to 100C described above, for example,the control commands to the control system are transmitted via wirelesscommunication by the external control system that drives the operationof the mobile bodies (flying object 110, mobile body 120). At this time,if high-frequency noise from the excimer lamp is transmitted outside theenclosure 11, disturbances caused by the high-frequency noise may causemalfunctions in the control commands to the control system. Configuringthe enclosure 11 that houses the excimer lamp to be made of a conductivemetal prevents the above-mentioned malfunctions in the control commandsto the control system, appropriately driving and controlling theoperation of the mobile body.

In addition, as in the inactivation devices 100A-100C described above,when the ultraviolet light irradiation unit 10 is mounted in the flyingobject 110 or the mobile body 120, the ultraviolet light irradiationunit 10 is subjected to vibration during the flight of the flying object110 or the movement of the mobile body 120. Here, low-pressure mercurylamps emitting ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 253.7 nm haveconventionally been used as an ultraviolet light source. Thelow-pressure mercury lamp has a configuration in which a noble gas suchas argon (Ar) and mercury (Hg) or an amalgam thereof are enclosed in abulb made of glass with ultraviolet light transparency. Mercury isexcited by a discharge generated in the bulb. This discharge in the bulbis generated by supplying power to a pair of electrodes disposed insidethe bulb or by applying high frequency to the bulb without usingelectrodes inside the bulb. The amount of mercury sealed inside the bulbis generally larger than that required to emit light. Hence, liquidmercury is located at the coldest point of the bulb even while the lampis on.

When a low-pressure mercury lamp is subjected to vibration, thevibration causes the mercury in the bulb to move. The mercury that hasmoved into the discharge area evaporates, which makes the dischargeunstable. In other words, when the low-pressure mercury lamp issubjected to vibration, the illuminance of emitted ultraviolet lightbecomes unstable. This poses a possibility that the use of low-pressuremercury lamps as ultraviolet light sources in the inactivation devicesmounted on the mobile bodies fails to perform disinfection andinactivation appropriately. In contrast, the inactivation devices100A-100C in the present embodiment use excimer lamps as ultravioletlight sources. Excimer lamps are less susceptible to vibration and lessprone to unstable ultraviolet light illuminance even when subjected tovibration because their discharge gases are noble gases and halogengases, which do not become liquid like mercury even at room temperature.Therefore, the use of excimer lamps is capable of performingdisinfection and inactivation appropriately.

In excimer lamps, however, the electrodes (external electrodes) areprovided in close contact with the outer periphery of the dischargecontainer. When the excimer lamp is subjected to the above vibration, agap may be created between the external electrode and the dischargecontainer by the vibration. This gap fluctuates with the vibration.Hence, when high-frequency power is applied between a pair of electrodesto generate a dielectric barrier discharge in the discharge space, thefluctuation of this gap may cause fluctuation in the dielectric barrierdischarge, possibly resulting in fluctuation in the illuminance of theultraviolet light emitted from the excimer lamp. In addition, electricdischarge occurring in the above gap may excite oxygen in the air togenerate ozone, and the generated ozone may oxidize the electricalcomponents in the ultraviolet light irradiation unit.

To suppress the occurrence of the gap between the external electrode andthe discharge container due to vibration, the excimer lamp 12 may beheld with the vibration isolation member 18 as shown in FIG. 3 in orderto suppress the occurrence of the gap between the external electrode andthe discharge container by the vibration. In this way, holding theexcimer lamp 12 with the vibration isolation member 18 enables theexcimer lamp 12 to be barely affected by the above-mentioned vibration,suppressing the occurrence of the above-mentioned gap. Thisconfiguration suppresses fluctuation in the illuminance of ultravioletlight emitted from the excimer lamp and enables stable ultraviolet lightirradiation. The vibration isolation mechanism for suppressing thevibration of the excimer lamp is not limited to the above-mentionedvibration isolation member 18; however, other configurations can also beapplied.

In addition, in the inactivation devices 100A to 100C described aboveaccording to the present embodiment, the excimer lamps, which are anultraviolet light source, preferably use KrCl excimer lamps emittingultraviolet light having a peak wavelength of 222 nm, or KrBr excimerlamps emitting ultraviolet light having a peak wavelength of 207 nm. Thewavelength band of ultraviolet light used for decontamination(disinfection) applications is practically from 200 nm to 320 nm. Inparticular, ultraviolet light around 260 nm, which is highly absorbed bynucleic acids (DNA and RNA) possessed by microorganisms and viruses, istypically used. However, such ultraviolet light in the wavelength bandaround 260 nm has adverse effects on humans and animals, such aserythema, induction of cancer due to DNA damage in the skin, and eyedamage (eye pain, redness, inflammation of cornea, etc.).

Hence, the ultraviolet light irradiation systems that use ultravioletlight around 260 nm for decontamination (disinfection) as describedabove are configured, with considering safety on humans and animals, toperform the ultraviolet light irradiation during the absence of humansand animals, and to stop the ultraviolet light irradiation during thepresence of humans in the irradiation area. However, persons (infectedpersons) and animals with harmful microorganisms and/or viruses enteringand leaving a space may often cause harmful microorganisms in the spaceto multiply, float, and adhere to the surfaces surrounding the space.Hence, an ultraviolet light irradiation system for decontamination(disinfection) is essentially effective in decontaminating not only thespace and surfaces surrounding the space but also the surfaces ofpersons and animals present in the area.

The present inventors, after diligent research, have found that light inthe wavelength range from 200 nm to 240 nm is safe for humans andanimals and is capable of disinfecting microorganisms and inactivatingviruses.

FIG. 7 is a graph illustrating the absorption spectrum of ultravioletlight on proteins. As shown in FIG. 7 , proteins exhibit an absorptionpeak at a wavelength of 200 nm and are less likely to absorb ultravioletlight having a wavelength of 240 nm or more. In other words, ultravioletlight having a wavelength of 240 nm or more easily transmits human skinand penetrates the skin. Hence, cells inside human skin are prone todamage. In contrast, ultraviolet light having a wavelength of around 200nm is easily absorbed by the surface of human skin (e.g., stratumcorneum) and is difficult to penetrate the skin. Hence, it is safe forthe skin. On the other hand, ultraviolet light having a wavelength ofless than 200 nm can generate ozone (O₃). This is because whenultraviolet light having a wavelength of less than 200 nm radiates in anatmosphere containing oxygen, oxygen molecules are photolyzed to produceoxygen atoms, resulting in generating ozone through a binding reactionbetween oxygen molecules and oxygen atoms.

Accordingly, the wavelength range from 200 nm to 240 nm is safe forhumans and animals. The wavelength range that is safe for humans andanimals is preferably from 200 nm to 237 nm, more preferably from 200 nmto 235 nm, and even more preferably from 200 nm to 230 nm. In otherwords, ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 222 nm emitted from KrClexcimer lamps and ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 207 nm emittedfrom KrBr excimer lamps are both safe for humans and animals and arecapable of disinfecting microorganisms and inactivating viruses.Therefore, even if persons or animals are present in the disinfectionand inactivation area in the space, the disinfection and inactivationwork can be performed through the ultraviolet light irradiation.

ACGIH (American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists)standard and JIS Z 8812 (Measuring Methods of Eye-hazardous UltravioletRadiation) set the threshold limit value (TLV) for the irradiationamount of ultraviolet light per day (8 hours) to human bodies inaccordance with the wavelength band. Hence, in the above-mentionedinactivation devices 100A to 100C, it is recommended that theilluminance and irradiation time of ultraviolet light are determinedsuch that the irradiation amount of ultraviolet (cumulative lightintensity) per day is within the above threshold limit value.

As described above, the inactivation device in the present embodiment isprovided with the ultraviolet light irradiation unit 10 supported by asupporter associated with vibration. Specifically, the inactivationdevice is provided with a mobile body (flying object 110, mobile body120) that is movable in a space where a person is present, and a drivesection that drives the mobile body. The ultraviolet light irradiationunit 10 is supported by the supporter provided in the above mobile body.The inactivation device in the present embodiment uses excimer lamps,which are less susceptible to vibration, as an ultraviolet light sourceemitting light containing ultraviolet light of wavelengths thatinactivates microorganisms and/or viruses. Hence, even if theultraviolet light source is subject to vibration during the flight ofthe flying object 110 or the movement of the mobile body 120, theultraviolet light source can stably emit ultraviolet light. Therefore,the inactivation device can suitably inactivate harmful microorganismsand/or viruses in a space or on surfaces surrounding the space by movingthe ultraviolet light irradiation unit 10 in any three-dimensional ortwo-dimensional direction together with the flying object 110 or themoving object 120.

In addition, since the inactivation device of the present embodimentemits ultraviolet light having a wavelength range from 200 nm to 240 nm,which has less adverse effects on human and animal cells, irradiatingeven a person with the ultraviolet light enables disinfection andinactivation in a space where a person is present. Furthermore, theinactivation device of the present embodiment can be designed to set thewavelength of ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet lightsource in a wavelength range from 200 nm to 237 nm and can be providedwith an optical filter that blocks the transmission of UV-C waves withwavelengths longer than 237 nm. This can prevent damage to personsirradiated with the ultraviolet light even if they are irradiated withthe ultraviolet light.

Since viruses attach to particles drifting in the air and diffuse, it iseffective to irradiate particles that cause Mie scattering withultraviolet light. Hence, in the inactivation device of the presentembodiment, the controller 17 may control the ultraviolet light sourceto irradiate particles that cause Mie scattering with ultraviolet light.This effectively suppresses viruses or other pathogens from attaching toparticles drifting in the air and diffusing. In this case, theultraviolet light may radiate after detecting the presence of particleswith an optical sensor that detects Mie scattering.

Variation Example

In the excimer lamps 12 and 12A with the configurations shown in FIGS.4A and 5A, respectively, the external electrode (external electrode 15in FIG. 4A, outer electrode 15A in FIG. 5A) may be formed in thefollowing manners such that a conductive paste containing glass powderand conductive metal powder, which is mainly composed ofcorrosion-resistant metallic materials such as gold, silver, copper,nickel, and chromium, is applied to the external surface of thedischarge container by screen printing, for example, and then dried andfired. The external electrode may also be formed by the vacuumevaporation of the above metallic materials. Forming the externalelectrode in this way also prevents a gap from being created between theexternal electrode and the discharge container due to vibration.

In the above embodiment, described is the case where an excimer lamp isused as an ultraviolet light source; however, an LED can also be used asan ultraviolet light source. An LED is also less susceptible tovibration similar to an excimer lamp. FIG. 8 shows an example of theultraviolet light irradiation unit 10 using an LED 19 as an ultravioletlight source. In FIG. 8 , the ultraviolet light irradiation unit 10 isprovided with the plurality of LEDs 19.

As mentioned above, the wavelength band of ultraviolet light used fordecontamination (disinfection) applications is from 200 nm to 320 nm,and a particularly effective wavelength is around 260 nm, which ishighly absorbed by nucleic acids (DNA, RNA). Hence, the LED 19, which isan ultraviolet light source mounted in the ultraviolet light irradiationunit 10, is also selected such that the LED 19 emits ultraviolet lighthaving a wavelength of 200 nm to 320 nm. Specifically, examples of theLED 19 include aluminum-gallium-nitride (AlGaN)-based LEDs andaluminum-nitride (AlN)-based LEDs. AlGaN-based LEDs can emit light inthe deep-ultraviolet (deep UV: DUV) band having a wavelength range from200 nm to 350 nm by changing the composition of aluminum (Al). Inaddition, AlN-based LEDs emit ultraviolet light having a peak wavelengthof 210 nm.

Here, in AlGaN-based LEDs, the composition of Al is preferably adjustedsuch that the center wavelength is in a range from 200 nm to 237 nm. Asdescribed above, ultraviolet light in this wavelength range is safe forhumans and animals, and can suitably disinfect microorganisms andinactivate viruses. For example, adjusting the composition of Al alsoenables AlGaN-based LEDs to emit ultraviolet light having a centerwavelength of 222 nm.

In addition, magnesium-zinc-oxide (MgZnO)-based can also be used as theLED 19. The MgZnO-based LEDs emit light in the deep-ultraviolet band(deep UV: DUV) in a wavelength range from 190 nm to 380 nm by changingthe composition of magnesium (Mg)

Here, in MgZnO-based LEDs, the composition of Mg is preferably adjustedsuch that the center wavelength is in a range from 200 nm to 237 nm. Asdescribed above, ultraviolet light in this wavelength range is safe forhumans and animals and can suitably disinfect microorganisms andinactivate viruses. For example, adjusting the composition of Mg alsoenables MgZnO-based LEDs to emit ultraviolet light having a centerwavelength of 222 nm.

Here, LEDs emitting the above-mentioned ultraviolet light (particularlyultraviolet light in the deep-ultraviolet band) have a low luminousefficiency of several percent or less, thus generating a large amount ofheat. When the heat generation of the LEDs increases, the intensity ofthe light emitted from the LEDs decreases, and the wavelength of theemitted light also shifts. Hence, as shown in FIG. 8 , the LEDs 19 arepreferably mounted in a cooling member 20 (e.g., heat sink with fins fordissipating heat) to suppress the increase in the temperature of theLEDs 19. At this time, as shown in FIG. 8 , a part of the cooling member20 may be protruded from the enclosure 11 of the ultraviolet lightirradiation unit 10.

When the ultraviolet light irradiation unit 10 shown in FIG. 8 ismounted in a flying object (e.g., a drone) like an inactivation device100D as shown in FIG. 9 , a part of the cooling member 20 can be exposedto the exhaust flow from the propellers 115. In this way, the exhaustflow hitting a part of the cooling member 20 allows the cooling member20 to dissipate heat more efficiently, suitably suppressing the increasein the temperature of the LEDs 19.

Note that the above-mentioned AlGaN-based LEDs and MgZnO-based LEDsemitting ultraviolet light having a center wavelength of 222 nm emitultraviolet light having a broad wavelength range from the centerwavelength of 222 nm to a certain extent. The light emitted from theseLEDs contains a small amount of ultraviolet light having wavelengthsthat are unsafe for humans and animals. Hence, it is preferable to use adielectric multilayer filter (optical filter) that blocks light in theUV-C wavelength band having wavelengths other than from 200 nm to 237nm, as is the case when the ultraviolet light source is an excimer lamp.The above optical filter may be more preferably a filter that blockslight with the UV-C wavelength band having wavelengths other than from200 nm to 235 nm, and may be further preferably a filter that blockslight with the UV-C wavelength band having wavelengths other than from200 nm to 230 nm. This holds true even when the light source is anexcimer lamp.

However, the above optical filter is unnecessary for the above-mentionedAlN-LEDs emitting ultraviolet light having a center wavelength of 210nm. In addition, there may be a case in which the illuminance at theirradiated surface of the ultraviolet light having wavelengths unsafefor humans and animals is the threshold value or less even when theultraviolet light source is an excimer lamp or an LED. The occurrence ofthis case depends on, for example, the illuminance on the light-emittingsurface of the ultraviolet light source or the distance from theultraviolet light source to the surface illuminated with ultravioletlight. Hence, the above-mentioned optical filter is unnecessary in thiscase.

In the above embodiments, described are the cases in which theultraviolet light irradiation unit 10 is mounted in a mobile body thatis movable in a space where a person is present, and is made to movetogether with the mobile body in the space to irradiate the space withultraviolet light, such as the flying object 110 in FIG. 1 and themoving object 120 in FIGS. 2A and 2B. However, the configuration of theinactivation device is not limited to the above embodiments. Theultraviolet light irradiation unit 10 can be mounted, for example, in amobility means for transporting a person or an object in a space where aperson is present.

Here, the above mobility means can be, for example, aircraft, bullettrains or other trains, buses, cabs, or other transportation means. Thespace where a person is present in the above mobility means can becabins or restrooms in aircraft or trains, or spaces in buses or cabs.In this case, the ultraviolet light irradiation unit 10 is also subjectto vibration during the movement of the mobility means, but theultraviolet light source can stably emit ultraviolet light. Setting theultraviolet light irradiation unit 10 in a space where persons enter andleave, such as cabins or restrooms makes it possible to effectivelysuppress the infection of viruses to other persons who enter the space.

Furthermore, excimer lamps and LEDs have features that are less affectedby changes in pressure or temperature in addition to the above-mentionedvibration. Sudden changes in pressure or temperature are transmitted tothe lamps and other devices in the form of physical shocks due to airpressure and thermal expansion of materials, causing the same phenomenonas the one caused by the above-mentioned vibration. Hence, using excimerlamps or LEDs as the ultraviolet light source enables ultraviolet lightto be stably emitted even when the inactivation device is used under anenvironment subject to vibration, air pressure changes, and temperaturechanges. In other words, it is possible to suppress fluctuation in theilluminance of the ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet lightsource even when the inactivation device is subjected to changes in airpressure in cabins during aircraft flights, changes in air pressurecaused by changes in the altitude of flying objects, or changes in airpressure that occur when high-speed trains including bullet trains passthrough tunnels.

The specific embodiments have been described above; however, the presentembodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scopeof the present invention. The devices and methods described herein canbe embodied in forms other than those described above. Also, withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention, omissions,substitutions, and modifications may be made to the above embodiments asappropriate. Such embodiments with omissions, substitutions, andmodifications are included in the scope of the claims and theirequivalents, and belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   -   10 Ultraviolet light irradiation unit    -   11 Enclosure    -   12 Excimer lamp    -   13 Discharge container    -   14 First electrode    -   15 Second electrode    -   16 Power supply    -   17 Controller    -   18 Vibration isolation member    -   19 LED    -   20 Cooling member    -   100A to 100C Inactivation device    -   110 Flying object    -   111 Body section    -   112 Frame section    -   113 Drive section    -   114 Motor    -   115 Rotor blade    -   120 Mobile body    -   121 Body section    -   122 Wheel    -   123 Supporter    -   124 Irradiation direction adjustment mechanism

1. An inactivation device, in a space inside a mobility means thattransports a person or an object, that inactivates microorganisms and/orviruses present in the space where a person is present by irradiatingthe space with ultraviolet light, the inactivation device comprising: anultraviolet light irradiation unit including an ultraviolet light sourceemitting light including ultraviolet light having a wavelength thatinactivates microorganisms and/or viruses; and a controller thatcontrols the irradiation of the light emitted from the ultraviolet lightsource, wherein the ultraviolet light source is either an excimer lampor an LED, and the ultraviolet light included in the light emitted fromthe ultraviolet light source includes ultraviolet light having awavelength range from 200 nm to 240 nm, and the ultraviolet lightirradiation unit is fixed to the mobility means.
 2. The inactivationdevice according to claim 1, wherein the ultraviolet light source is anexcimer lamp including a discharge container filled with gas for excimeremission and a pair of electrodes that make a dielectric barrierdischarge generated inside the discharge container, at least one of theelectrodes is disposed to be in contact with the discharge container,and the ultraviolet light irradiation unit includes a vibrationisolation mechanism that suppresses a vibration of the excimer lamp. 3.The inactivation device according to claim 2, wherein the mobility meansis a transportation means, and the space includes at least either aguest room or a restroom where a person can enter and leave.
 4. Theinactivation device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein at least one ofthe pair of electrodes is printed or deposited on an outer front surfaceof the discharge container.
 5. The inactivation device according toclaim 2 or 3, wherein the ultraviolet light irradiation unit includes anenclosure that houses the excimer lamp and is made of a conductivemetal.
 6. The inactivation device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein theultraviolet light irradiation unit includes an enclosure that houses theultraviolet light source thereinside and that includes a light emissionwindow through which at least a part of the light emitted from theultraviolet light source is emitted, and the light emission windowincludes an optical filter that blocks a transmission of UV-C waveshaving longer wavelengths than 237 nm.
 7. The inactivation deviceaccording to claim 2 or 3, wherein the ultraviolet light source emitsultraviolet light having a center wavelength of 222 nm.
 8. Theinactivation device according to claim 1, wherein the ultraviolet lightsource is an LED, and the LED is either an aluminum-gallium-nitride(AlGaN)-based LED or an aluminum-nitride (AlN)-based LED.
 9. Theinactivation device according to claim 1, wherein the ultraviolet lightsource is an LED, and the LED is a magnesium-zinc-oxide (MgZnO)-basedLED.
 10. The inactivation device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein themobility means is a transportation means, and the space includes atleast either a guest room or a restroom where a person can enter andleave.
 11. The inactivation device according to claim 8 or 9, whereinthe ultraviolet light irradiation unit includes a cooling member thatcools the LED.
 12. The inactivation device according to claim 8 or 9,wherein the ultraviolet light irradiation unit includes an enclosurethat houses the ultraviolet light source thereinside and that includes alight emission window through which at least a part of the light emittedfrom the ultraviolet light source is emitted, and the light emissionwindow includes an optical filter that blocks a transmission of UV&#8722; C waves having longer wavelengths than 237 nm.
 13. Theinactivation device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the ultravioletlight source emits ultraviolet light having a center wavelength of 222nm.